Models of changes in EE during maintenance of a reduced body weight.
A. Mechanical (solid line): In a mechanical model the reduction in EE following weight loss is directly proportional to the loss of energy stores (predominantly fat).
B. Threshold (dashed line: In a threshold model, reduction of body energy stores below a threshold induces adaptive thermogenesis resulting in a decline in EE but there is no further increase in adaptive thermogenesis following more weight loss below the threshold.
C. Spring loading (dotted line): In the stretching model the degree of adaptive thermogenesis is directly proportional to the amount of weight reduction being maintained.